Hello, my question is this. We go for a consultation today to talk about getting a fistula. If my husbands GFR is 22, and the next GFR holds at 22 or better, does he have to get the fistula now vs waiting a little longer. Does anyone in this discussion group have experience in this? Our hope is that with his diet change which has reflected in lower insulin levels already, will hopefully keep the gfr stable. We realizes he is still headed for dialysis we are just trying to extend the fistula process for a little longer. Anyone's thoughts? Thank you

Thanks for your Reply!

4 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:How hat is the lowest gfr for fistula/safestHello, my question is this. We go for a consultation today to talk about getting a fistula. If my husbands GFR is 22, and the next GFR holds at 22 or better, does he have to get the fistula now vs waiting a little longer. Does anyone in this discussion group have experience in this? Our hope is that with his diet change which has reflected in lower insulin levels already, will hopefully keep the gfr stable. We realizes he is still headed for dialysis we are just trying to extend the fistula process for a little longer. Anyone's thoughts? Thank you

The general rule is 15 ml/min for most patients, 20 ml/min for diabetics. Physician recommendations vary with the specifics of each case.

Personally I would say that earlier is always better. Renal disease does not progress at an even and predictable rate. You can never really gauge the future on the past. I waited far too late. Try not to repeat my mistakes.

Personally I would say that earlier is always better. Renal disease does not progress at an even and predictable rate. You can never really gauge the future on the past. I waited far too late. Try not to repeat my mistakes.

Thanks John,
We saw the surgeon today. My husband took it pretty well. He plans to already start making the fistula for him for the end of August. We are trying to hold out due to work for October. However, after reading what you had posted I see your point. The sooner the better. Though he is doing very well with diabetis, as you said before it's unpredictable. Again thank you for your honesty:) be well dayna

Thanks for your Reply!

Report This| Share this:How hat is the lowest gfr for fistula/safestThanks John,
We saw the surgeon today. My husband took it pretty well. He plans to already start making the fistula for him for the end of August. We are trying to hold out due to work for October. However, after reading what you had posted I see your point. The sooner the better. Though he is doing very well with diabetis, as you said before it's unpredictable. Again thank you for your honesty:) be well dayna

You absolutely want to be prepared ahead of time. My plan for PD was to go to a conference on the other side of the continent, come home and have the catheter inserted, and then slide gracefully onto dialysis. Well, my life had other plans. I got double pneumonia and had a small MI wihile at a hotel 3 time zones away from home. I flew home after 2 weeks in hospital with a femoral line. Not fun!

Obviously, I'm an extreme case. And also obviously, I left things too late. Kidneys are unpredictable, as John said. At a GFR of 22, the unfortunate truth is that bad things can happen. What's the worst that can happen if you get it done right away an ddon't need it? Nothing. A friend of mine had his PD catheter put in at what appeared to be roughly the right time. And then things stabilized. And he didn't need it for 6 years. But he had the security of knowing that he was ready at a moments notice. That is what I would want and what I would do if I had a do-over.

Cora

Thanks for your Reply!

Report This| Share this:How hat is the lowest gfr for fistula/safestYou absolutely want to be prepared ahead of time. My plan for PD was to go to a conference on the other side of the continent, come home and have the catheter inserted, and then slide gracefully onto dialysis. Well, my life had other plans. I got double pneumonia and had a small MI wihile at a hotel 3 time zones away from home. I flew home after 2 weeks in hospital with a femoral line. Not fun!

Obviously, I'm an extreme case. And also obviously, I left things too late. Kidneys are unpredictable, as John said. At a GFR of 22, the unfortunate truth is that bad things can happen. What's the worst that can happen if you get it done right away an ddon't need it? Nothing. A friend of mine had his PD catheter put in at what appeared to be roughly the right time. And then things stabilized. And he didn't need it for 6 years. But he had the security of knowing that he was ready at a moments notice. That is what I would want and what I would do if I had a do-over.

Thank you Cora for the insight and heads up. I think after yesterday's appt, my husband is still in denial. He is in construction and does heavy lifting doing tile. I don't see it being put off any further either. I did contact the nephrologist on his behalf , however I did say your the dr what do you want him to do. I should hear from him today. What's weird is though the dr was great(vascular surgeon) he made it seem like my husband could still work. I think this is giving him false hope as he thinks it will be a PC of cake. Aye aye aye. I want to show him a picture of a fistula by the wrist but can't seem to find a good picture. Does it show? Or stick out? This is going to be a long process. I appreciate any help and advice given . Take care and thank you

Thanks for your Reply!

Report This| Share this:How hat is the lowest gfr for fistula/safestThank you Cora for the insight and heads up. I think after yesterday's appt, my husband is still in denial. He is in construction and does heavy lifting doing tile. I don't see it being put off any further either. I did contact the nephrologist on his behalf , however I did say your the dr what do you want him to do. I should hear from him today. What's weird is though the dr was great(vascular surgeon) he made it seem like my husband could still work. I think this is giving him false hope as he thinks it will be a PC of cake. Aye aye aye. I want to show him a picture of a fistula by the wrist but can't seem to find a good picture. Does it show? Or stick out? This is going to be a long process. I appreciate any help and advice given . Take care and thank you

Related News

Report Problems With Your Medications to the FDA

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

The opinions expressed in WebMD Communities are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. Communities are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service or treatment.

Do not consider Communities as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.